Site activities of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen) project companies have resumed following the easing of quarantine restrictions being imposed by the Philippine government amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
These activities were suspended on March 18 after Luzon was placed under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E) on June 4 gradually resumed activities at its site in Atimonan, Quezon – with full remobilization expected in the coming weeks.
While Quezon province has been under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) since May 15, A1E and its contractors closely coordinated with the Atimonan local government unit (LGU) in preparation for remobilization activities. A health and safety plan and other documentary requirements were submitted to the LGU in compliance with the guidelines issued by relevant government agencies.
Even before the pandemic, A1E has been strictly implementing health and safety protocols at the site, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
The company also put in place additional measures including deployment of a health and safety team that will lead the daily monitoring of the body temperature and overall health of the workers; installation of new sanitation stations and social distance markers; and provision of transportation for workers.
As part of Atimonan LGU requirements, all workers who did not stay in Atimonan during the ECQ have to undergo a COVID-19 test and to submit a health clearance before returning to work.
An isolation facility was also set up should there be employees or workers that would be required to undergo quarantine. The facility was already inspected by Atimonan’s Municipal Health Office.
A1E remains one with the Atimonan LGU in ensuring that the municipality remains COVID-free and ready to fight the pandemic.
A1E is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGen, which is building a power generation portfolio of high efficiency, low emissions baseload power and renewable energy projects in a bid to support the country’s growing demand for stable, reliable and cost-competitive electricity.
Powersource First Bulacan Solar, Inc. (PFBSI), another project company of MGen, also resumed construction activities at its site in San Miguel, Bulacan in May.
The company, which is building a 50MWac solar farm, has been following strict guidelines on construction activities issued by the relevant government agencies.